March is Endometriosis Awareness month and it is now being called awareness and action month. Many are not aware of what endometriosis is and what the symptoms are.
Endometriosis (pronounced en- doh – mee – tree – oh – sis) is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.
In the UK, around 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition, regardless of race or ethnicity. Endometriosis can affect you from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.
Symptoms can vary in intensity in those with endometriosis, and the amount of endometriosis does not always correspond to the amount of pain and discomfort experienced. Not everyone with endometriosis experiences symptoms. The classic endometriosis symptoms include:
1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK. I am a volunteer support leader with Endometriosis UK and support others who are experiencing the symptoms and challenges of endometriosis. Endometriosis doesn’t just affect you in a medical way it can really affect your mood and well being as the symptoms can cause you to miss out on social events and can also feel quite isolating.
I have recently moved to the Glasgow area. I did not want to give up my nursing career which I have worked so hard for so when I saw that clinical24 offered flexibility in shifts but also provided a pension scheme, I decided to take the plunge to be an agency nurse. This has worked really well for me as I can choose when I am able to work and I can manage my symptoms without the pressures of fixed rota systems. I have had excellent support and guidance from the registration process and when booking shifts, the staff are understanding and supportive and it is brilliant. The flexibility also allows me time to finish my specialist neonatal course at Cardiff University which I do as a part time distance learning student.
I can highly recommend agency working as whilst working with chronic illness may seem impossible Clinical24 help make the impossible possible whilst still being able to be a nurse!
Article: Nicole Louise, Volunteer Support Leader for Endo UK
Source:
www. https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/
